Braces are a great way to straighten teeth and improve long-term oral health. However, keeping teeth clean with braces can be challenging due to trapped food and plaque. Berry Dent offers easy brushing tips for braces wearers to maintain clean teeth and optimal oral health.
Why is Cleanliness Crucial with Braces?
Braces, wires, and brackets trap plaque and food particles. Inadequate cleaning can lead to cavities, gingivitis, and bad breath. Proper brushing is essential for those with braces.
Tips for Effective Brushing with Braces
1. Choose the Right Toothbrush
Braces-friendly toothbrushes have bristles designed to reach around wires and brackets. Soft bristles are recommended to minimize gum irritation and effectively clean teeth.
2. Use Interdental Brushes
These small brushes clean under wires and between teeth, reaching areas inaccessible to regular toothbrushes – ideal for thorough cleaning with braces.
3. Brush Properly
Angle the toothbrush at 45 degrees and brush around each bracket, starting with the top, bottom, and sides. Brush all teeth for 2-3 minutes, including the tongue and palate, to remove bacteria and reduce bad breath.
4. Choose the Right Toothpaste
Fluoride toothpaste that reduces plaque buildup is ideal for braces, strengthening teeth and preventing cavities.
5. Floss Regularly
Use specialized floss designed for braces to clean between teeth and under wires, removing food particles and plaque.
6. Use Mouthwash
A fluoride mouthwash helps strengthen enamel, fight cavities, and reduce bacteria for fresher breath and healthier gums.
Wearing braces requires special care, particularly when it comes to oral hygiene. Since orthodontic appliances are complex and have many crevices that can trap food particles and bacteria, improper brushing techniques can negatively impact both the treatment progress and oral health. Here are important precautions to consider
Things to Avoid When Brushing with Braces:
- Hard-bristled Toothbrushes: These can irritate gums and dislodge wires.
- Aggressive Brushing: This can damage brackets and other orthodontic appliances.
Maintaining oral hygiene with braces isn’t difficult with the right approach. Proper brushing, interdental brushes, floss, mouthwash, and a suitable toothpaste like Berry Dent, with 1500 ppm fluoride for strong teeth and a fresh taste, contribute to clean teeth and prevent long-term oral health issues.